By Sonal Gupta
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

The Ontario government killed its $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, leaving rural and remote communities in northern Ontario in the dark about their future internet access.  The decision, part of a broader political strategy by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in response to American tariffs, alarms those who rely on […]

By Carl Clutchey,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Construction of various “shovel-ready” housing projects for Indigenous people is at risk of being delayed for another building season because the federal government is sitting on $2.8 billion earmarked for new native homes, an Ottawa-based advocating agency claimed on Thursday. The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association’s Indigenous caucus said lingering […]

By Marissa Lentz-McGrath
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TimminsToday.com

MATTAGAMI FIRST NATION – A northern teen is encouraging other Indigenous youth to step into leadership roles. Trentin Thomas, chairman and president of Mattagami First Nation Youth Council, was one of 14 youths across Canada to receive the Next Generation Indigenous Youth Professional Development Scholarship.  The scholarship allowed him to […]

– Ken Kellar photo

The Fort Frances Legion was the place to be on Friday, March 7, 2025, as the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope and Rainy River District Victim Services joined forces with other local organizations to recognize International Women’s Day with education, giveaways and a delicious lunch. The organizers wanted […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – Economist Jack M. Mintz says Canada needs to find its place in U.S. President Donald Trump’s new world order. Mintz had some grim news for the city’s business leaders at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce’s leaders luncheon on Thursday. For Canada’s economy to succeed, the country is going to have to leverage […]

By Marissa Lentz-McGrath
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TimminsToday.com

For Andrew Fleurie, every day is a battle.  After years on dialysis, numerous health setbacks, and mounting financial strain, the 39-year-old Iroquois Falls resident is urgently seeking a kidney donor to give him a second chance at life. “I’ve always had problems with my kidney. When I was born, I […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

A new speed sign will warn you when you breach the speed limit on second street and collect data on traffic habits in town. Holly Chant is a Health promoter with the Northwestern Health Unit and was key to getting the sign put in place. “We had the opportunity to […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

While the implementation of punishing U.S. tariffs was not a surprise to the Border Mayors Alliance, much as they hoped to avoid them, the group will continue to push to have Canada’s interests and economy protected while advocating for the border towns who stand to be deeply impacted, including Fort […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

“I was at the (village) rink (Wednesday) morning,” said event organizer Jordan Baraniuk. “I think everything’s going to be OK.” According to Environment Canada, the mercury in the Thunder Bay area is only expected to rise to -5 C on Friday, about four degrees lower than normal for this time […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — The long-discussed possibility of designating a truck route through the city is coming back to council. Kayla Dixon, Commissioner of Infrastructure and Operations, told Newswatch that city staff will recommend council approve the establishment of a designated truck route running from the Harbour Expressway to Main Street to the […]

By John Woodside
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

Threats of tariffs and economically coerced annexation are being rebuffed by Indigenous leaders, who are calling for special consideration for the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples as Canada feels its way through the trade war. Cindy Woodhouse, the Assembly of First Nations National Chief, said the tariffs and threats […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba’s largest university has issued new calls to action for administrators and academics to advance reconciliation on its campuses. On Monday the University of Manitoba unveiled Time for Action — a framework with four focus areas that cement the school’s commitment to decolonizing daily operations. Senior administration pledged to review curriculum to […]